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A young and violent sex offender was released back into the community. While they were all minors, the rapist victimized three girls in 2019 and 2020 but has now served his sentence. They’re in their 20s now. One survivor expressed resilience despite the horrors she faced at the hands of the criminal, Cher-ere Cooper. *** TS [A social media profile matching the criminal’s name notes Orleans as a current or former residence.]
It’s a 50-year sentence after a Eureka teenager was targeted by a violent sex criminal. The sex offender is 53-year-old Gary Lee Campbell, Jr., as a teenage boy left the 17-year-old female victim with him and Gary proceeded to tie her up and commit horrific acts before she escaped, according to reports. Testimony from the brave victim and other witnesses indicated the criminal has a violent history. *** RHBB
A plea was reached in a horrific multi-casualty ‘whip-its’ collision in Eureka last year. The killer crashed her car on I Street in Eureka, striking and killing a man and injuring multiple other people, before crashing into a building. Cops previously said she admitted to using nitrous oxide (or ‘whip-its’) before this happened. She’s set to serve over 25 years in prison. *** T-S
Two people and their dog were killed in a suspicious apartment fire in Eureka. Several more people were hurt including a few firefighters responding to the early-morning incident at an apartment building along Fourth Street. The deceased faced mobility challenges and were the parents of an administrator with the Eureka Rescue Mission. The fire is under investigation for suspicious circumstances. *** RHBB / GoFundMe
A suspect was arrested for allegedly stealing about $10K worth of stuff from the local Special Olympics. The stolen items such as uniforms, helmets, first-aid kits, swimming gear, and their Olympic torch, are critical for providing sports programs that empower our neighbors with intellectual disabilities. Based on footage and a linked SUV, officers say a 43-year-old man was arrested for this near his camp on the Hikshari Trail in Eureka. *** RHBB
Our U.S. Rep. Jared Huffman commented on the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas. After a massive amount of violence, Jared praised the deal, which included hostage exchanges, a phased halt to fighting, and increased humanitarian aid to Gaza. *** Full statement
Jared Huffman says he won’t skip Trump’s inauguration again.
He skipped 2017 but about Jan. 20 he said this: “It’s different now. I’ve talked to colleagues who see it differently. I feel like whether we like it or not, this guy was just elected by the country with full disclosure of all of his ugliness… This time around, I feel like I need to stand there to show that he’s not pushing me out of my role.” *** Politico
A Eureka High student was arrested after explosives and guns were found in his car. Officers say he also had hundreds of rounds of ammo. However, investigators think the guy arrested was not planning to harm peers and staff. *** EPD
Two locals were arrested after shooting incidents last month. The incidents included gunfire after an altercation at Toni’s Restaurant in Arcata, a shooting that injured a guy in Hoopa, and another shooting under investigation in Eureka. A 19 and 39-year-old from Hoopa are looking at conspiracy and attempted murder charges among others. *** RHBB
Proponents are progressing our potential offshore wind projects despite Trump’s thumbs down. Local renewable energy efforts with state and private funding are looking to push this thing past the finish line. While future federal funding is uncertain, work toward possible offshore windmills in Humboldt County is ongoing as the project could also be an economic booster. *** LoCo
An alleged tomahawk-toting road rager was arrested for attempted homicide in Eureka. Police say a man in a truck repeatedly rammed a small car on 5th Street, leaving the injured victim fearing for his life. Adding to that, the suspect’s truck reportedly matched the description of a vehicle involved in a tomahawk assault the day before. The suspect was arrested. *** RHBB
A bathroom bluff ended up not helping a man avoid an arrest. Officers say a wanted guy tried to outsmart deputies by pretending to need the bathroom but instead ran away into the Samoa Dunes. Reportedly a couple of hours later he was found and arrested trespassing at the Humboldt Bay Social Club. *** RHBB
A former landscape company manager is accused of embezzling over $100K. Insiders in the McKinleyville company reported that the guy they used to trust purchased big-ticket items such as a patio boat. Data shows small businesses are highly vulnerable to embezzlement. *** RHBB
Social media rumors brought unfounded fears of local ICE raids. Several sources confirmed there was no evidence to support those claims. In light of this, we were reminded that Humboldt County’s sanctuary status means local agencies do not assist with federal immigration enforcement, but those agents can still do their thing independently. *** RHBB
Local firefighters joined the battle in Southern California. Crew members from Humboldt, Del Norte, and other North Coast communities joined in to take on devastating fires impacting tens of thousands of acres in Los Angeles County. *** RHBB
A new film hopes the Mad River will be renamed with its Wiyot moniker Baduwa’t. Its current name came from an 1849 incident where an explorer had a fit of rage when his crew left him behind during an expedition. Baduwa’t means “free-flowing river.” The documentary comes from the Baduwa’t Watershed Council, which also explores the river’s health and history. *** LoCo
The owner of a controversial commune near Trinidad is battling to keep it running. The area houses over 20 low-income residents, but officials have noted expensive problems with water, sewage, waste, and unpermitted structures. The owner wants zoning changes and permits to keep things going. County officials have been open to that but it’s possible the hurdles may be too high. *** LoCo / RHBB
Discontinuing the Tri-City Weekly ended jobs for intellectually disabled adults in Fortuna. Some of these individuals have been delivering the ‘Weekly for a quarter century and now they’re left without a routine that brought them pride and self-esteem. *** LoCo [This is personal for me as I used to write music and entertainment previews for the Tri-City Weekly and its sister newspaper the Times-Standard. The ‘Weekly, founded in 1971, had a solid history in the heyday of its community and classified sections before it declined in favor and popularity. -MC]
There’s a new indoor dog park and grooming salon in Eureka. The Barking Lot offers a weather-protected spot for dogs to play and socialize as well as grooming, accessories, and event rentals. Before taking your dog please note their temperament will be tested and you’ll have to show their vaccination paperwork. *** Website
County officials are offering extended hours and scenic ceremonies for Valentine’s Day weddings. With an appointment, you can get married fairly inexpensively at the courthouse or in scenic areas like Table Bluff or Clam Beach, rain or shine. *** humboldt.gov
Ferndale’s food and drinks staple The Ivanhoe is looking to reopen under new ownership. The landmark since 1875 is set to maintain its atmosphere and menu as well as some familiar faces after temporarily closing in 2020. There are plans to reopen the bar next month with dining room service to follow, as well as an updated hotel portion of the building. *** NCJ
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